BMW ActiveE Lease Set at $499 a Month for US Trial
BMW will offer its electric ActiveE coupe to US customers on a 24-month lease at $499 per month, targeting early adopters for a real-world EV trial.
BMW has announced that its battery-powered ActiveE coupe will be available to US customers through a 24-month lease programme, priced at $499 per month with an initial payment of $2,250 due at signing. This lease arrangement is part of a limited trial designed to gather real-world data from early adopters, providing BMW with valuable information ahead of the brand’s wider rollout of electric vehicles. Reservations for the ActiveE will begin in late summer 2011, and the lease is available only in select US markets.
BMW ActiveE Lease Pricing and Details
The ActiveE is based on the BMW 1 Series coupe and features seating for four. Its electric motor produces 170 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, allowing the car to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in under nine seconds, according to BMW. The vehicle uses a lithium-ion battery pack, which is expected to deliver a driving range of around 100 miles on a full charge. This is the same battery technology that will be used in the upcoming BMW i3 production model.
Comparison with Other Electric Vehicle Leases
The ActiveE’s $499 monthly lease rate places it above the Nissan Leaf, which was available at the time for $349 a month over 36 months with $1,999 due at signing. BMW positions the ActiveE as a more premium alternative, offering higher equipment levels and a more powerful electric drivetrain. For comparison, a petrol-powered BMW 135i coupe was being leased at $399 per month for 36 months.
BMW is targeting customers seeking a more luxurious electric vehicle experience, and the higher lease cost reflects the additional features and performance. The limited trial nature of the ActiveE also means availability is restricted compared to mass-market electric vehicles like the Leaf.
ActiveE as a Testbed for BMW Electric Vehicles
BMW describes the ActiveE as a crucial step in its electric vehicle development strategy. The trial follows the earlier Mini E programme and is intended to provide further insight into how customers use electric cars in daily life. Data gathered from the ActiveE fleet will influence the final development of the i3 and future BMW electric vehicles, helping to refine battery management, charging infrastructure, and user experience.
The ActiveE is designed to be more practical than the two-seat Mini E, offering four seats and improved packaging for the battery system. The car retains a traditional boot, making it more suitable for everyday use. By involving customers in this trial, BMW aims to understand real-world challenges and expectations, shaping the direction of its future electric models.
Digital Support and Customer Engagement
To support the launch of the ActiveE, BMW is introducing a new smartphone application called BMW Evolve, available for both Apple and Android devices. The app is designed to help prospective customers determine whether the ActiveE fits their driving needs by analysing data from their daily journeys. By providing insights into driving patterns and electric vehicle suitability, the app aims to make the transition to electric motoring more accessible for interested drivers.
The lease programme is not a full production launch but rather a controlled trial with vehicles allocated to selected US markets. BMW expects the project to yield valuable feedback for both the company and participating drivers, informing future product development and customer support strategies. The insights gained from the ActiveE trial are expected to play a significant role in shaping BMW’s approach to electric vehicles as the company prepares for the introduction of the i3 and other electrified models.
Technical Specifications of the BMW ActiveE
| Motor output | 170 hp, 184 lb-ft torque |
|---|---|
| 0-60 mph time | Under 9 seconds (claimed) |
| Estimated range | 100 miles (claimed) |
| Battery type | Lithium-ion |
| Seating | 4 |
| Platform | BMW 1 Series coupe |
| Lease price | $499/month for 24 months |
| Down payment | $2,250 at signing |
Conclusion
The BMW ActiveE lease programme marks a significant phase in the company’s electric vehicle ambitions. By offering a limited number of vehicles to early adopters, BMW aims to collect vital data and feedback that will guide the development of its future electric models. With a higher price point than some competitors but a focus on premium features and real-world usability, the ActiveE is positioned as a bridge between BMW’s traditional performance models and its next generation of electric vehicles.
